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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the match with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another difficult outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not far away. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.